Ho, Ho, Ho!

Nearly the end of another year, so just enough time to wish a Very Merry Christmas to all who deserve it.

See you on the other side for a 'Twixtmas' look back at 2017.

Misty

There was a strange mistiness in the air this morning as we set out for our usual constitutional. From these pictures, it looked as if it should have beeen bitterly cold, but in fact, it was quite mild. A vast plume of steam drifted upward from the cooling towers of Sawley Power Station some 9 miles away.

As we approached Shipley Lake, things seemed to have cleared a little so we gazed out across the water, trying to ignore the noise from workmen preparing the ground for building in the new year. The Coots were trying to ignore it too!

By the time we got to Mapperley Reservoir, a thin layer of mist was hanging over the surface of the water like a blanket of gossamer. (Very poetic).

The mist appeared to come and go, but all the time hovering no more than a few feet above the water.

The scene was crying out for a little photo 'magic.' All quite beautiful, but time to head home again.

Winter Wonderland

Having not had much exercise over the weekend, Malcolm and I decided we would do the 'donkey walk' this morning. As we set out, the thermometer was telling us that it was just above freezing - but it certainly didn't feel like it. Along the old coal-mine railway lines, it was bitterly cold, despite the sunshine.

A frosty rime was on everything (very Dickensian) and peace had descended.

A slight mist hung in the air and mingled with a little wood smoke, giving things an ethereal appearance.

A little over a mile away, the two towers of Ilkeston's town centre churches, were standing out through the mist.

Where workers from the local wildlife trust were clearing some over-grown Silver Birches, bonfires provided the reason for that very festive, smoky smell and more beautiful scenes through the trees.

All quite beautiful - but very cold!

Hard as Iron

Setting out this morning, it was even colder than yesterday. The thermometer was still well below freezing as we stepped out, but we had lost the stiff breeze of yesterday and the sun was shining, so it felt much better, despite the cold.

We thought we would head around Mapperley Reservoir this morning. In Winter, it is usually too soggy to get round the reservoir but with plunging temperatures, the earth was 'hard as iron'. The reservoir too, was frozen over leaving several confused ducks and coots.

Frost adorned the leafless branches and twigs and there was no sign if the Kingfishers which were in residence the last time we visited this end of the reservoir.

Sparkling sunshine made things much better and gave us a beautiful view across the water.

Time to head home again, back along Slack Lane - careful not to slip!

Colder Still

With a little snow on the ground and a very chilly wind blowing, we set out this morning wrapped up against the cold. Hats and scarves adorned our frosty heads and thick gloves to keep Malcolm's fingers from dropping off.

Where the snow had thawed and re-frozen over night, the going was treacherous and few slips were inevitable as we picked our way along.

Down towards 'Vole Bridge' the mud was only just frozen, so we had to step carefully.

Then it was onward towards the farm and the Oaks which stand guard over Slack Lane whatever the weather.

When we first set out, it looked as if things might brighten up a bit, but there was still no sign of it. The sun was up there somewhere, but it was struggling to make it's presence felt this morning.

Along the old mine workings and Silver Birch tree trunks added another element of white.

On the home stretch and a little digital 'bloom' brightens the snowy scene...

Time for a warming coffee and a sustaining tot of Brandy - purely medicinal of course!

Seasonal

Just look what's happened this morning..!

 It's all very seasonal, although the shivering birds were looking a little put out as they sat in the trees.

York

Malcolm and I have returned from a (very) short break in York. Having been before to have a look around their Christmas market, we thought we'd repeat the experience. Last time we went, the city was suffering from severe flooding...

This time, things were much more normal and the sunshine first thing in the morning, was glinting on the surface of the Ouse.

The evening before, we set out for a wander about the city centre to soak up a bit of Christmas atmos'.

Trying to avoid the more congested parts - which turned out to be those stalls which were giving away samples of alcoholic beverages - we squeezed our way through the crowds.

Thankfully, things were a little quieter than the last time we visited, so we were able to appreciate the decorations.

It was all very seasonal - including the chilly wind which cut you to pieces.

Back to the Travelodge for Mulled wine and a mince pie and to warm up a bit.
Next morning, we had time for a quick stroll round the city in the sunshine. Clifford's Tower was looking particularly fine against a clear blue sky and even the moon was putting in an appearance.

Very festive - Christmas starts here!